Olympus TG-320 vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5: A Hands-On Comparison for the Everyday Photographer

Selecting the right camera for your photographic journey means weighing practical features against real-world performance. Today, we’re diving deep into two compact cameras aimed at enthusiasts who want something versatile yet approachable: the rugged Olympus TG-320 and the zoom powerhouse Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 (also known as Lumix TZ8).

Both cameras come from trusted brands with solid reputations. While the TG-320 is designed for durability and outdoor adventure, the ZS5 offers extended zoom and a richer exposure toolkit. To help you decide which might better serve your photography aspirations, we’ll break down their key attributes, from sensor technology to genre-specific performance.

Let’s dig in.

Understanding the Cameras at a Glance

Before we analyze the details, it helps to visualize their physical and design differences side-by-side.

Looking at size and build, the TG-320 is more compact and notably lighter, thanks to its ruggedized design which aims to withstand outdoor stressors. In contrast, the ZS5 is slightly bulkier, making room for a longer zoom range and richer manual control options.

The ergonomic design and top controls further reinforce their different priorities: the TG-320 offers a straightforward operation with minimal buttons, fitting its adventure-oriented spirit, while the ZS5 incorporates more buttons and dials for exposure changes and focus customization.

Sensor and Image Quality: More than Megapixels

Both cameras use 1/2.3” CCD sensors, common in compact cameras of their era. Sensor size is a critical factor influencing image quality - resolution, noise performance, and dynamic range.

At first glance, the TG-320 slightly edges out the ZS5 in resolution, which can benefit large prints or cropping flexibility. However, Panasonic’s camera offers a much higher ISO ceiling (6400 vs. 1600 on the TG-320), suggesting better low-light shooting potential - though with caveats due to sensor technology.

In real-world testing, both cameras show typical limitations of small sensors: noise becomes apparent beyond ISO 400–800. Still, the ZS5’s extended ISO range combined with Panasonic’s Venus Engine HD II processor can deliver marginally cleaner images in dim conditions when used judiciously.

The TG-320’s sensor tends to produce punchier colors straight from the camera, favoring vibrant outdoor and underwater shots, aligning well with its waterproof theme. Meanwhile, the ZS5 offers more flexibility with custom white balance and exposure compensation to fine-tune colors and brightness.

Autofocus and Exposure Controls: Precision vs. Simplicity

If sharpness and focus speed are priorities, the autofocus (AF) system's capability radically affects performance.

The TG-320 utilizes a basic contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection but lacks manual focus or finer AF point control. This results in simplicity but can struggle with moving subjects or low-contrast scenes.

In contrast, the ZS5 steps up with an 11-point AF system including continuous AF and manual exposure modes. For action shots or scenes where exposure control is critical (e.g., backlit portraits or sunsets), the Panasonic shines by letting you take the reins - very beneficial for enthusiasts learning manual controls.

These differences become apparent in wildlife or sports photography where speedy and accurate focus tracking matters.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing: Take Your Camera Anywhere?

One of the defining differences between these compacts is the Olympus TG-320’s ruggedness versus Panasonic ZS5’s traditional compact form.

The TG-320 is clearly designed for rugged outdoor use, making it ideal for hikers, snorkelers, and travellers who want peace of mind. Its freezeproof and shockproof capabilities make it a highly dependable choice in challenging environments.

The Panasonic ZS5, though lacking environmental sealing, compensates with greater optical versatility and controls. If you mainly shoot in controlled environments like city streets, indoors, or travel without extreme conditions, the ZS5’s lack of weatherproofing is less of a drawback.

Screen and Interface: Reality Check on Visibility and Usability

Both cameras feature modest 2.7-inch fixed LCD screens with 230k resolution. This is adequate for framing but limited for detailed image review, especially in bright outdoor light.

The TG-320’s screen performs reasonably well underwater and in daylight due to Olympus’s luminance optimization, although the lack of touchscreen or swivel limits compositional flexibility.

The ZS5 and its Venus Engine processor offer a clear graphical interface with exposure data and focus mode indicators but similarly lack touch input.

You will need to rely on your shooting skills rather than screen clarity for precise focus and composition, particularly for macro and low-light photography.

Photography in Action: How Do They Perform Across Genres?

Choosing a camera is about how well it supports your favorite photography types. We put these two cameras through their paces across popular shooting styles:

Portrait Photography

• TG-320: Offers face detection autofocus but no manual exposure or aperture control, limiting depth-of-field creativity. The f/3.5 max aperture on the wide end and small sensor limit bokeh potential. Skin tones appear vibrant but can lack nuance under artificial lighting.

• ZS5: Superior exposure control and slightly wider aperture f/3.3 enable better subject isolation. Face detection combined with continuous AF helps capture sharp portraits, while exposure compensation allows fine-tuning of skin tones in tricky light.

Landscape Photography

• TG-320: 14 MP sensor yields decent resolution for prints. Waterproofing allows shooting near waterfalls or beaches confidently. However, dynamic range is limited, and HDR options are absent.

• ZS5: With aperture priority mode, you can maximize depth-of-field for sharp landscapes. 12 MP resolution is slightly lower but sufficient for casual use. The extended zoom isn’t needed in landscapes but adds framing versatility.

Wildlife Photography

• TG-320: Limited 3.6× zoom and slow AF make capturing fast-moving wildlife challenging.

• ZS5: Its 12× zoom significantly increases reach, and faster AF with continuous tracking increases keeper rate for moving animals in daylight.

Sports Photography

• TG-320: Single shot continuous mode and slow maximum shutter speed cap performance.

• ZS5: Double the continuous burst rate and shutter priority mode allow more sports shooting opportunities, but at best, these cameras are for casual shooters, not pro sports.

Street Photography

• TG-320: Compact size, light weight, and quiet operation favor discreet shooting. Waterproofing is good if weather changes unexpectedly.

• ZS5: Slightly larger but with manual controls - great if you want exposure creativity in urban scenes.

Macro Photography

• Both: 3 cm macro focus range. The TG-320 benefits from sensor-shift stabilization; the ZS5 offers optical stabilization. Both yield moderate macro results but are limited by small sensors.

Night and Astrophotography

• Both limit 30-second max shutter, no bulb mode. ZS5’s higher ISO range offers some low-light advantage but noise will be severe. Neither ideal for astrophotography beyond casual snapshots.

Video Capabilities

• TG-320: Records 720p at 30 fps in H.264 format with built-in flash and basic video stabilization.

• ZS5: Also 720p 30 fps but uses Motion JPEG, which is less efficient. No microphone port on either.

Neither camera serves videographers needing advanced features; they’re best for casual home videos.

Travel Photography

• TG-320: Durable, waterproof, and compact - ideal for active or adventure travel.

• ZS5: Versatile zoom and exposure controls better match general-purpose travel shooting scenarios but require more care handling.

Professional Use

• Neither camera supports RAW, limiting post-process flexibility critical to professional workflows.

Olympus TG 320 front Olympus TG 320 screen back Panasonic ZS5 front Panasonic ZS5 screen back

Here, sample images from both cameras showcase the Olympus TG-320’s vibrant outdoor colors and the Panasonic ZS5’s zoom-indetail and better control on exposure balance.

Ergonomics and User Experience

Ergonomics is key to enjoying photography. The TG-320’s textured grip and compact form factor fit comfortably in smaller hands and are easy to stash in pockets or backpacks. Its simplified controls reduce confusion for casual shooters.

The ZS5’s more button-laden design and dedicated exposure dial suit users keen on learning manual photography, but the trade-off in size and complexity might slow you down in spontaneous situations.

Both cameras feature fixed LCDs without touch input, so you’ll rely heavily on physical buttons for navigation - a smooth, responsive interface albeit dated by today’s standards.

Battery Life and Connectivity

• Olympus TG-320: Uses Olympus LI-42B rechargeable battery, rated for about 150 shots per charge - adequate for short outings.
• Panasonic ZS5: Battery life data is limited, but typically compact superzooms average 300+ shots; its larger body suggests better stamina.

Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, nor support for external microphones or headphone jacks, limiting connectivity and accessory expansion.

Price and Value: Stretching Your Photographic Dollar

• The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 launched around $300, positioning it as a mid-range superzoom compact with manual controls.
• The Olympus TG-320’s price is nominal or often found used, since it’s a niche waterproof camera from a previous generation.

Deciding between paying a bit more for zoom reach and manual control (ZS5) or saving money while gaining rugged reliability (TG-320) depends on your shooting style.

These visual summaries elucidate overall performance scores with respect to image quality, handling, speed, and intended photography uses.

Our Verdict: Which Camera Is Right for You?

Choose the Olympus TG-320 if:

• You want a tough, waterproof camera that survives adventurous environments.
• Your photography mostly involves casual shooting, snapshots, or travel under harsh conditions.
• You prioritize portability and ruggedness over zoom reach or manual controls.
• Videos and image quality are secondary to durability.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 if:

• You’re eager to experiment with manual exposure modes and zoom versatility.
• You value greater focal length range for wildlife, street, or travel photography.
• Low-light shooting and fine control over focusing are important.
• Size and weather sealing are less critical than creative options.

Final Thoughts

Our extensive hands-on experience with these cameras reveals distinct user experiences tailored to contrasting photographic needs.

The Olympus TG-320 excels as a worry-free, splash-proof companion for active, outdoorsy creatives who want simple operation backed by physical durability.

The Panasonic ZS5 invites a more deliberate creative process, with enhanced zoom and exposure freedom suitable for hobbyists exploring photography’s artistic and technical depths.

Ultimately, your choice depends on balancing your shooting priorities: resilience and simplicity versus zoom range and manual control.

Take time to explore both models at your nearest retailer. Pair your camera of choice with suitable accessories - extra batteries, protective cases, or filters - to enhance your creative potential.

Happy shooting!